Traditional wedding invitations were sourced and sent out by the brides’ parents, formally worded with a classic font engraved on a good quality white card. But modern couples want more - something that reflects your own personalities with a matching colour scheme, and items ranging from Save the Date Cards to Table Plans. So as your tastes change and the demand for something different increases, so do the amount of stationers vying for your business. And where to start? Unless you have a wedding planner to source them for you, or have been recommended by a friend, its difficult even finding the right stationer for you. So here’s a quick rundown on what’s out there for every Bride in-the-know:

High Street
For a few years now, department stores have been trying to make their stores a one-stop wedding destination. You can buy the dress, the bridesmaids outfits and order the stationery. Displayed in portfolios in the Bridal room, there is normally something for most tastes, although it tends towards the more traditional. Prices are good value, but there is little flexibility or flair.
Try John Lewis, Debenhams, Marks&Spencer

Mail Order
With every wedding magazine there’s at least one brochure for a mail order stationer that will fall out! Again these tend to be quite generic designs with lots of hearts and gold, but prices are generally good value. A lot of these companies also sell wedding favours, party accessories and photo albums, so if you’re after something quick and easy, this is probably for you.
Try www.confetti.co.uk, www,brideandgroomdirect.co.uk

Contemporary
For bride and grooms that want to make more of a statement - the designs are more modern featuring gorgeous flowers, photography, bright colours and interesting type. Although sometimes they are a pre-printed cards with your details typeset inside, some are printed to order and completely personalised - so you can have a designer feel to your invitations, without paying the huge prices.
Try www.scissorpaperstone.co.uk

Handmade
This was very fashionable a few years ago, but the market has since been inundated with feathers and sequins! Due to the time-consuming production involved with the designs, prices tend to be high. For your own handmade cards, try local craft stores (such as paperchase, and hobbycraft) for blank cards and all the trimmings you need to make your own creations. This can be something fun to do, for you and your bridesmaids, and ultimately a lot cheaper, but you will need a creative touch!
Try www.pinkproducts.co.uk, www.i-candi.co.uk

Calligraphy
This is often thought of as a very traditional concept, but calligraphy no longer has to be like “Ye Old England!” Modern calligraphers use their own unique handwriting and style with pen and inks to create a one-off artwork for you.
Try www.mandalaybride.co.uk, www.whitefirebrides.co.uk

Bespoke
Briefing a designer to create something completely unique can be the ultimate wish of most brides, but also the most expensive. Some packages start at £2000 before you even order the items for the reception. Often the designer will need ideas from you about where to start - it could be a theme running through your wedding, how you got together, or just something you both love. The designs usually involve luxurious materials, and premium quality printing and a one-to-one service: your invitations are limited only by the designer’s imagination.
Try www.louiserichardson.co.uk